Get your invitations from Nickelsons

A new interview , Yeah  !
Can you please introduce your business ?

Nickelsons Invitations, Joanna McCartney
I studied art and design at college in Exeter, England and then decided to travel the world. I ended up marrying a handsome american fellow and set up home in California. After managing a stationery boutique for several years, I decided I should be doing what I was passionate about, design and embellishment. I founded Nickelsons Invitations in 2005.

What is your business/craft and give a summary of your handmade process.

Nickelsons Invitations works with clients to create unique and classic pieces of stationery, typically for weddings. Our process starts with a conversation with the client, to see if we can offer what they are looking for, the type of event, the style, the colours, the inspiration. From there we refine it down and carefully select colour pallettes, embellishments etc, then we present a small selection of designs for the client to choose from. Or, sometimes, the client simply wants a specific design and we go from there.

What event, series of events, or situations allowed you to start your business and make money with your crafts?
After I left work to have my baby, I realised it was time that I did what I loved to do, so during those first few months of newborn-hood, when the baby napped, I began working on designs. From there, it just seemed to evolve naturally.

Where does your inspiration for your designs come from?
I am addicted to the haute couture fashion world. I love attending fashoin shows, my favourite DVD is 'Chanel' (a documentary) I read many fashion magazines and blogs, and they inspire me to creat classic pieces of stationery.

How does your culture, upbringing, and/or environment influence your designs/crafts?
I grew up in a beautiful part of Devon, England and was fortunate enough to travel to some beautiful parts of the world as a child, france, spain, america, south america etc. Growing up seeing beautiful landscapes, clutures and especially architechture inspired me to love finding joy in items I found beautiful, and continues to inspire me when ever I travel.


What are some of the ways you market and promote your business/Craft?
I have been fortunate to have been selected for features in magazines for some of my designs, including Bride & Bloom, and Inside Weddings. I use my blog, and Etsy, and I advertise on wedding resources, such as The Knot and Google.

Now, something different. FOOD ! What is your favorite recipe ?

My favourite recipe? that changes! right now, I am obsessed with Jerk Chicken!
My passion for all things chocolate related never changes though. Oh yes, we have that in common, and I shall get some Jerk chicken again

Based on your experience, what advice would you give to other crafters selling or looking to start selling their creations ?

I think its very important to try to keep re-investing your profits into your business - its very hard to balance this as a small business ownder, but your business needs promotion to grow, so advertising is key.

Aside from running your business what are some of the fun things you like to do in life?
Finding inspiration on a daily basis is very important to me.

to know you better, The craziest thing you have done ?
Craziest thing....married my husband after we had dated for 4 weeks. We just celebrated our twelth anniversary! That's amazing and so wonderful.Love at 1st sight...

Which place would you recommend to go to ?
I adore the hidden coves and beaches of Mallorca, and Paris is my favourite city, I can find inspiration on every street!

Your favourite designers / artistsMy favourite designer has to be Carl Lagerfeld. The man is a genius.

your favourite jewelry from me My favourite piece of Catherine Marche Jewelry is the Peridot Silver ring.

please visit:
http://nickelsonsinvitations.blogspot.com/
http://www.etsy.com/shop/Nickelsons

Designer focus : Meet Annymay

Anny May is a fashion designer who is fascinated by handmade articles.
"I have a studio at home where I create clothes and accessories of all kinds. I particularly like to work with eco friendly fibers (recycled fabrics and organic fibers).

I'm a French Canadian artist who lives in a beautiful old house in a small village by the St-Lawrence River a few miles away from Quebec City, Canada. To discover my studio: http://annymay.com/en/mon-atelier-boutique/

I don't want to over-exploit our planet. Fashion, for me, is a way of expressing himself. Every person is unique and the handmade clothes reveal our personality in a unique way!

I like to use my creativity to produce clothes and accessories which respect the environment. "

Thanks Anny

From Malaysia to London, an unique journey

Let's meet a jewelry artist called Yue, she comes from Malyasia and moved to England 8 years ago. She is also a scientist.


- How did you get started ?
I has always been creative and enjoy crafting since I was a child. I love making jewellery for my friends and family, and they always said I should try to sell these. That's why I started my business online.

- Where are you from?
I was born and grown up in Malaysia, then I moved to England 8 years ago where I started my inspiring journey in jewellery making. I now settle in London for my study, nothing artistic but science.
- Are your creations limited editions or unique?
All my creations are unique, it's still different even with the same design and I intend to design my works to last for a lifetime.

- what is your brand about?
Yue means 'moon' in English, it always represents mystery, beauty, romance and love. I hope that my design reflects the meaning of moon and it can last a lifetime so I love working with gemstones, pearls and sterling silver.

- What inspires you?
Many things, like walking down a path and see lovely flowers hanging in the sky, reading through some inspiring jewellery making magazines and looking at websites from other talented makers.

- How do you promote your work?
Business cards, Facebook and twitter.

- Where are you showing your work?
My online shop.

- any special promos?
Everything from my shop are beautifully gift-wrapped and shipped free of charge in UK mainland.

- favorite websites?
A picture gallery and search engine for all handmade jewellery in Japan: www.bijouxsearch.com

Yue's site http://www.yuethejewelry.com

- Anything else you'd like to add?
My blog  http://yuehandicrafts.blogspot.com is a journal of all my life so it reflects my recent interest in baking and you will find lovely and delicious recipes for cakes from my blog.

madamaRobe - Mrs Stuff from Verona

This is 
Roberta, who comes from Verona in Italy . 
Her brand is madamaRobe
, which should be written with an "accent grave" and a capital letter in the word Robe, which I believe means Mrs Stuff, who makes colorful and whimsical jewelry.


Bonjiourno Signorina.

- How did you get started? I'm always been a creative person but in a particular period of my life my creativity showed to me that I can be who I want and do what I want in my life. My creativity is a blessing in my life. 

- Are your creations limited editions or unique? My creations are unique, if someone ask me a copy I can do it but..it's always different!
- When did you start jewelry and beading? Two years ago.
- Where do you get your materials from? Beads shops everywhere, when I travel I usually find a beads shop... :), Internet, art shop and when I visit creative fairs I buy there too. I only buy high quality materials. When I'm choosing I think to my future creations...Creativity is seeing something that doesn't exist already.  I use only high quality materials and I put a lot of love and care in my creations...I think I have good prices :)
- Which one is your favorite? I love Polymer clays, Murano glass beads and lucite beads but polymer clay I think is a magic material! 
- Are you a professional artist or is this a hobby? I'm trying to become a professional artist, it's hard, there is a lot of work to do but it's what I want to be.
- What inspires you? Colors, art, fairy tales, pictures, ideas when I'm walking, travels, nature.

- What is your favorite piece ? Oooh it's a difficult question! I love all my creations! Well, it's a necklace...I consider it quite special because last year I was visiting a literature festival and I met Sophie Kinsella and she said: "What a beautiful necklace!" I was so flattered!

- How do you promote your work? Facebook, blogs, business cards.
- Where are you showing your work? On the Internet.
- Do you have any advice for fellow artists? I think it's important to believe in our dreams and be sincere with ourselves. It's important working hard and don't give up. Edward de Bono said: "Creativity is a great motivator because it makes people interested in what they are doing. Creativity gives hope that there can be a worthwhile idea. Creativity gives the possibility of some sort of achievement to everyone. Creativity makes life more fun and more interesting." 


- what would you like to be when you grow up? I'd like to see madamaRobe  as a great and famous brand.

 I'm pleased to be featured on tour blog. Thank you very much. 


Ciao ciao
To know more about Roberta and discover her new products, visit the website: http://www.madamarobe.com 
and her  Etsy shop: http://www.etsy.com/shop/madamaRobe
Facbook page : http://www.facebook.com/?ref=home#!/pages/madamaRobe/131972730164372?ref=ts

Creative wishes

1. What is your business/craft and give a summary of your handmade process.
I create handmade costume jewellery, greeting cards and other handcrafted keepsakes and gifts.

I use all manner of items to create my 'wishes', from found, reclaimed items to brand new bought raw crafting products. This allows me to offer unique pieces that are either one of a kind or are in small quantities.

I have been a crafter for as long as I can remember and have dabbled in many different crafts over the years, honestly I can’t think of a type of craft that doesn’t interest me and this can leave me feeling like time is running out, as I would love to try my hand at everything. My main stays have always been paper based crafts and more recently over the last 8+ years creating jewellery, in last 6 months I have become truly fascinated with creating wearable art and so plan to explore this avenue more in depth.

2. What event, series of events, or situations allowed you to start your business and make money with your crafts?
I am recently new to the world of selling my creations, only started Oct, 09. I have always been told by family and friends that I should turn my then hobby into a business but I finally decided to bite the bullet last year when I found myself finally a stay at home mom with a lot more time on my hands.

So I decided to put my time to good use and started creating items from my craft stock cupboard, I was accumulating items with no real plans on what to do with the finished products and so decided to open a little blogshop to flog my wares so to speak.

3. Where does your inspiration for your designs come from?
I get inspired by many different sources;
Magazines, tutorials, other crafters and designers all sometimes lead me in another direction or help me to challenge the way I would normally do things, allowing me to put my own spin on an idea.
Nature and the natural world also greatly influence the materials I use, the colours I lean to and some of my design ideas.
But most times I simply sit in front of my work table and just let my ideas come freely. I rarely draw out my designs before hand. I am though planning to create various mood boards to help me find inspiration for when I am having a crafters block moment.

4. How does your culture, upbringing, and/or environment influence your designs/crafts?
My father was an architect and my mom was an accomplished seamstress while I was growing up, I was also very lucky to have a couple relatives whose careers were art related, this along with a very supportive extended family lead me to enjoy and pursue my creative side as a youngster.

The adults from my childhood always seem to praise the individuality and uniqueness of the kids in their charge, which constantly gives me, even now, the confidence to think and create outside the box so to speak.

5. What are some of the ways you market and promote your business/Craft?
Like I said before I am new to this and so I am still finding my way in self promotion of my brand so to speak. Currently I use the following:
Blogging and all that it entails.
Twitter.
Free ad type websites.
Craft forums.
Face to face self promotion such as business cards, etc.
And this year I also plan to do a few local craft shows, school bazaars, jewellery parties, etc.

6. Do you use myspace, facebook, flickr, ning, or other social networking sites? If yes or no, why?
You can find me on Flickr, Twitter and UK Handmade ning forum. I had initially been on lots of others but found I was spending more time networking rather than creating. I am still trying to find the right balance.

Flickr - I use to show case some of my work mainly when I join groups with other creators concentrating on a specific creative topic/ medium.
Twitter - I use mainly to advertise when I add new items to my shops and to advertise me shop overall. I also use this site to let others know when I have updated my blogs and as time go on I will also use it to inform others of shows, bazaars, etc I can be found at.
UK Handmade ning based forum - is a great place for me to network with other UK based creators, its where I can share and get feedback on my ideas and make new friends with others who have similar interests.

7. Based on your experience, what advice would you give to other crafters selling or looking to start selling their crafts?
Like I said before I just started my business on a whim but when I have ran businesses before I found and experienced a steady upward growth quicker when I laid a good foundation before launching the business.

I had no experience selling online when I started and though I am learning a lot every day, I would have done better to research what it entailed before jumping in. there certainly would have been less mistakes and better uses of my time if I had followed this fundamental rule of business.

Thankfully it hasn’t cost me any loss of money the way I did it but I‘m sure it has affected some of my earning potential.

8. Aside from running your business what are some of the fun things you like to do in life?
Gardening is a big love of mine; it’s another thing I have been doing for as long as I can remember.
I also enjoy being a stay at home mom and home schooling my youngest at the moment.
Reading, long countryside walks/ bike rides (with/ without my family), dancing and hanging out with girlfriends are some of the other things I enjoy doing.

9. Please add any links here:

My store name is Kella’s Creative Wishes and…

My Blogshop is for UK shoppers: http://kellascreativewishes.blogspot.com/
I also have a store for international customers: http://kellascreativewishes.storenvy.com/

My blogs are:

http://mebutalittlebitmoreindepth.blogspot.com/ Where I blog about family life and my crafting projects.
http://kellasvegeplotandothermusings.blogspot.com/ Where I blog about my gardening exploits and growing my own food for my family.

Other places to find me are on:
Twitter.
Flickr.
UK Handmade forum.

Thank you

Suivre le fil d'Arianna

1) What is your business/craft?
I mainly do jewellery, but my crafts also include some home decor and some accessories.I use different media, so the processes involved in each type of craft are different.For my “normal”jewellery I mainly use wire-wrapping and stringing techniques with beading wire,metal wire and glass beads or semi precious stones.
For my polymer clay jewellery and home decor the process is totally different and lenghty.
It all starts with the row materials(clay) and patience.I use both the standard colours and my own blends.The clayis kneaded, rolled and then worked in different ways, depending on what you want to do.If you want to make a cane then you just keep on rolling, flattening and composing your design into a log (the cane).Then you build your item’s shape (a bead,a pendant,hair barrette or a sheet if you are covering something) and you decorate it with slices of your cane/sheet.You cure your item in the oven and then you sand it, polish it and glaze it.

2) What event, series of events, or situations allowed you to start your business and make money with your crafts?
After doing some beading and fimo to fill up the time I was spending alone at home I decided to give it a try and open my online shop. This is when I realised that I was totally addicted to making crafts, so that it was a natural development. And, just to be on the safe side, although I didn’t expect to make much money with it, I registered with the HR for peace of mind.the business was set up!

3) Where does your inspiration for your designs come from?
I take my inspiration from everything. Shapes, colours, other crafters’work or any tiny detail you can notice around.I rarely have a plan, I’m a messy crafter!Most of the time I fall for a shape or a colour and I start from there, trying until I find my way around it.

4) How does your culture, upbringing, and/or environment influence your designs/crafts?
I come from a country where attention to details is very important, So I guess this has somehow influenced me, madking me prefer simple designs with small details to give emphasys, rather then elaborated ones.My mum is a creative person too, and I guess this is my main influence.She thaught me to add your personal touch to things.

5) What are some of the ways you market and promote your business/Craft?
Lately I haven’t been promoting so much, as I’m focxused on revising my suppliers, stocking up supplies and the branding, so that I haven’t had much time to do anything else.NormSo far the most effective way to promote has been the word of mouth, I reckon. Most of my work is on custom orders, and these arrive to me through friends/friends of friends etc. Etsy tools have also been very useful, from the FB application to the simple (and debated) item re-listing and renewal. I’m planning to buy some ads (on FB or Google), but I have to fill up the shop again first!

6) Do you use myspace, facebook, flickr, ning, or other social networking sites? If yes or no, why?
I do use FB and Flickr..and UK Handmade, which I believe is a ning...?I’m not always so active lately for the reasons i explained above. fb really gets me lots of views..not sales, though.

7) Based on your experience, what advice would you give to other crafters selling or looking to start selling their crafts?
To be consistent. To set up a structure for your business before getting into it with no direction.
To set your goals, To be not so emotional about your business, but rather be clear, rational and open-minded. To observe things and people, from competitors to customers, and understand what your tools are. I’m only trying to do all this now and it is draining!Better a bit of planning ahead.And always remember that you are doing what you love, even in the lucky case you’ve transform it into a proper business.Under pressure it’s easy to forget that you love making that fiddly thing, much easier to look at it as something that now has to be done and possibly quickly. Wrong, as you’ll loose your touch, in my opinion.

8) Aside from running your business what are some of the fun things you like to do in life?
Well..lately I haven’t got much time left, as I’m employed full time and do my crafts in my “free”(!) moments... But,in a normal situation, I like to walk, going around with no destination, discovering hidden corners of London, taking pictures, visiting markets, and of course....having litres of coffee with my girlfriends!!!!

9) Visit the website www.petitechacal.com and the Blog
http://somuchlife-petitechacal.blogspot.com/

ADVENT PROMOTION TODAY

Jewellery and Objects of Desire High end Jewelry in precious metals, for women with a great sense of Style and Fashion, created by French designer Kalicat, in her London based studio. Sterling silver and 18K gold with shimmering pearls and precious sparkly gems to complement your stunning beauty.


image: star Blum ring
Today only, 12% off Jewellery on all items marked by a little red boot (Santa's )
You might want to hurry up, most items are limited editions.
PLease click here to indulge
Delivery in gift box all around the world

Discover Renaissance

Renaissance M. Austin is multi talented. She has an amazing sense of style and lovely (Blue) hair ans started crochet at a young age.
Reminds me of someone ...

She has kindly accepted to answer some questions for us.

- How did you get started ?
My crochet beginnings started when I was 8 years old. My grandmother taught me the beautiful craft and from then, I took it and ran with it. I crocheted throughout my schools, doing it because I simply loved it. I didn't crochet much throughout my high school years. But in the year 2000 I picked up the crochet hook again when I was in a store called J.Crew and I saw these crocheted head ties that sort of looked like bonnets and I said to myself, "I can make this!". From that point on I started making head ties and selling them at different fairs and marketplaces. That was my true entrance into the world of crafting. It's amazing how I went from that one product into everything I have now.

- Where are you from?
I am from Los Angeles although I am often thought to be from the South, Jamaica, Nigeria, or London. I think the London thing has to do with how I dress! lol.

- Are your creations limited editions or unique?
Some items are definitely limited. There are a few designs that I've just stop making, not for any particular reason. I believe I am always thing of something new and fresh to make while leaving the old behind. Majority of my designs I would say are unique as well.

- How long have you been doing it?
I've been running my business since 2000. It's been an awesome journey.

- Are you a professional artist or is this a hobby?
Definitely a professional artist. All that I do is for the purpose of my life. My art, breathing, and living is all for me to share with others. I know that I am hear to inspire through what I do!

- What inspires you?
Speaking of inspiration. Beauty really, really inspires me. Beauty in a certain fiber yarn, in photography, in a painting, in music, the pure and kind hearts of people, beautiful women are all very inspiring. Fashion magazine are wonderfully inspiring and Love above all is highly inspiring, especially being in and out of love...

- What is your favorite piece (that you still have for sale) and why?
I would say the body knits because I truly love them, but I would have to be final with the wooden bracelets. I am a huge fan of wood, especially the chunky ones. I love the way they look on my arms when I stack them and I love how they make me feel. I am truly one with natural materials like wood. I feel smooth and bold just like them.

- How do you promote your work?
I promote mostly on etsy by staying visual as much as I can in the treasuries, chat rooms, virtual labs, the forums, and The Storque. Second is my blog. I try to filter everything through my blog as much as possible because it is home base really. That is where the videos, article, the fun, and life of my handmade brand happen. Thirdly I use twitter. I really like being involved with multiple conversations. I tweet everything that I do from my blog and from etsy. I love myspace as well. Myspace comments are a really great tool.

- Where are you showing your work?
Right now I am showing my work in Upland at the 2nd Street marketplace. It's a weekly marketplace.

- What is your favorite material?
Definitely wood and cotton yarn. I really love cotton. It is very cool in the summer.

- favorite food ?
I really love Japanese cuisine with a passion. Then next, I love veggies and fruits. I am a very simple eater. I am not very small, but I don't eat much. I just love making my own smoothies and snaking on nuts and dry healthy snack.

- What advice you wish someone had told you when you started?
Hmmm... this is a good one. I wish that I had know to research more. R&D are the most important element to a business. More research in the beginning would have been more helpful to me.

- Do you have any advice for fellow artists?
Sure! First believe in yourself and your craft. Negativity gets you nowhere. You have to have faith and be positive and see things the way you visualize them and not the way that they really are. Research, research, research everything! I can't stress that enough. Know your brand, other brands, your competition, and all of the marketing and promoting outlets and objectives. Also remember that when you open an etsy shop, you become a business, which means sales aren't just going to happen. You have to go out and get those sales by being visual. Lastly, it is hard work! Know that from the start and take the best photos you can take. I happened to already be a photographer. Study photography as much as you can. It is key to selling online.

- Anything else you'd like to add?
Business should be unselfish. When you are unselfish you get more in return. It's the principle of giving. I really believe in it. Have masterful knowledge about your craft. When I am at craft shows, people's faces just light up when I start showing them my etsy shop on my laptop and talking about yarn and different fibers. They can see that I am passionate and knowledgeable about what I do and it puts a smile on their faces!

- Do you make anything else that you keep just for you?
Yes, I do now. At first I would never make anything for myself, but I had to remember that I am the walking advertisement of my brand. So I make sure that I make a few things for myself to wear. I a couple of my own body knits and crocheted skirts, hats, and head pieces...

- Her site - raghousenternational.etsy.com
- Her blog - http://artfulchatterbyrenaissance.blogspot.com/

15% off Jewelry - Dawanda wall fall sale

The DaWanda "Wall Fall Sale" will run from Monday 19.10 at 12:00 CEST until Sunday, 25.10 at 23:59 CET.
In all participating shops (where products will be marked with a little flag icon), in which you are shopping for the first time, you will receive a 15% Discount off the original price during the sale period! The reduced price will be calculated and displayed during the order process, and in your shopping basket. Please note - the discount will only apply for your first purchase, so it's best to pack a few things into your shopping basket at once!

I am participating, you will find my lovely jewelry products on http://kalicat.dawanda.com

Have you told your friends about the Wall Fall Sale yet? New users receive a 15% discount on their first purchase in all participating shops!

Jewelry sale - October - 15%% off

The DaWanda "Wall Fall Sale" will run from Monday 19.10 at 12:00 CEST until Sunday, 25.10 at 23:59 CET.
In all participating shops (where products will be marked with a little flag icon), in which you are shopping for the first time, you will receive a 15% Discount off the original price during the sale period! The reduced price will be calculated and displayed during the order process, and in your shopping basket. Please note - the discount will only apply for your first purchase, so it's best to pack a few things into your shopping basket at once!

I am participating, you will find my lovely jewelry products on http://kalicat.dawanda.com

Have you told your friends about the Wall Fall Sale yet? New users receive a 15% discount on their first purchase in all participating shops!

Dawanda spotlight

Yipee, I have been chosen as designer of the week for the Dawanda homepage
Here is a little image of the feature...
New interview coming soon

Helenes Dreams: Giveaway by Kalicat Jewelry - Gorgeous Blum Sterling Silver Ring

Helenes Dreams: Giveaway by Kalicat Jewelry - Gorgeous Blum Sterling Silver Ring

Etsy :: Light Heather Grey Beret with Black and White Swirl buttons

a very nice beret... I know, the summer is here, but the French in me just could not resist...

Etsy :: Light Heather Grey Beret with Black and White Swirl buttons

Shared via AddThis

Joya exibicion

I just love this image ...

Discover SewnNatural

A little selection of her work

SewnNatural's green collection helps families pair sustainable eco design with mod, offbeat styling. This shop reflects the values and esthetic we use in our own lives: clean, simple modern lines, sustainable design that lasts and lasts, and the rainbow of colors that make us (and our babies) smile.

SewnNatural is 1 designer, long-time textile artist and mother/grand-mother + assisted by 1 potter, teacher, marketer, stay-at-home mom/daughter.

Everything is designed and handcrafted

The designer in the duo has always loved creating and designing with textiles, colour play and repurposing beautiful vintage fabrics. She designs and handcrafts each item with great care, using exclusively NATURAL FIBRES. Most materials are also organic, reclaimed, repurposed or recycled. Often vintage.

"As a young girl sitting next to my patient, loving grandmother learning to sew my first patchwork quilt on a summer's day, I fell in love with textiles. Their textures, feel, colours and shapes really touched me. I strive to introduce warmth, joy, color and comfort into our lives. My passion for designing with beautiful, natural textiles and experience creating wonderful, functional things for ourselves, our children and our grandchildren is reflected in each item.
You can see a real person in my work."

WOW - Charm bracelet competition

Time to get a new Bracelet, just enter your details there

Win a treasure

Treasure Pot Competition - 16 pieces to be won!!

To celebrate the launch of the Jewellery Designer's Collective during Coutts London Jewellery Week we are giving away the biggest selection of precious jewellery ever assembled!

Enter to win one of 16 pieces of stunning pieces of jewellery made by our designers. The winners will be awarded their jewellery on Sunday 14th June, at the Treasure exhibition in Covent Garden.

When
soon - 14 June

Where
Here - www.jewellerydesignerscollective.co.uk
We will publish details on how to take part in our competition on this website soon.

To be the first to know, email info@jewellerydesignerscollective.co.uk for updates.

Eye candy

13 threads and counting

Let' s meet Lois Sturgeon of 13threads.etsy.com

- How did you get started ?
13threads was started just over a a year ago when I finally had some time to devote to designing and sewing full-time, some spare money to buy some supplies and equipment and with the discovery of Etsy as the perfect outlet for my work.

- Where are you from?
I am originally from Scotland but I did most of my growing up in Los Angeles, Portland (Oregon), San Francisco and Zurich.

- Are your creations limited editions or unique?
They are a bit of both. Many pieces are "one-offs" , however, I will recreate a particular design but I will change it slightly each time I make it. I will use different fabrics or finishings in order to keep each piece unique. For example, my black twill zip front coats are all finished differently inside.

- How long have you been doing it?
From the making of my dolls clothes to the redesigning of my school blazer, I guess I have always been sewing and creating. It has just always been part of my life.

- Are you a professional artist or is this a hobby?
Again, a little bit of both. I see myself as very professional in my pursuit to create and produce the highest quality pieces that I can. I put the same amount of care and dedication into my research and designing as I do into my sewing techniques and customer service. I love what I do.
- What inspires you
An illustration, someone walking down the street, costumes in film, museums, textiles and patterns...The list is endless. At the moment, I am really interested in images from the 1920's and 1930's and the wonderful embellishment and layering of clothes.

- What is your favorite piece (that you still have for sale) and why?
My favourite piece that I still have for sale is my green Harris Tweed coat. Although it is an amazingly flattering and elegant style, it is the colours and weave of the beautiful Harris Tweed cloth that makes it special.

- How do you promote your work?
Word of mouth and recommendations from existing customers. I wear my own designs as does my daughter. It helps when wonderful people like yourself promote my work by featuring my items in their online blogs or magazines. And I am very grateful!

- What is your favorite material
I love natural fibres and textiles like silk, cotton, linen and wool. I also like to use recycled pieces of lace and embroidery when I can find them.

- What advice you wish someone had told you when you started?
Stay positive and enjoy what you are doing

- Do you have any advice for fellow artists?
Stay positive, enjoy what you are doing and take a break now and again

- any special promos?
If someone emails me with a link from this blog entry I will give them free postage and packing.

- what would you liek to be when you grow up ?
Still trying to figure that one out but what I am doing right now would be pretty good.

- favorite jeweller ?
I would love to have any and all of the pieces by Kathi Roussel and Erica Walker

- favorite websites ?
any spare time I have, which is not a lot, is spent on Etsy browsing, updating and shopping!

Looks like a sane addiction :)
Good luck with your nice shop

A LOVE for fabrics

Let me introduce you to Chio Bloom, whose website is bloomwoosie

She is going to tell us about her adventure.

How do I get started....
I grew up in a small coastal town in southern Japan. As far as I remember, I was always making things with my mom. My mom taught me everything I can think of in terms of what you make and do with your hands. As I wrote in my "profile" section at my Etsy store, my sister and I liked to stay home doing crafts in my mom's kitchen. By middle school and high school, I was making lunch bags, gym bags, and small cute things all by myself, that by the way, my mom still keeps in her drawer.

After I worked for a major American company in Tokyo for four years, I decided to study business here in the States. I was supposed to go home with my MBA, but I didn't - I got married to my husband. My older boy was born soon, and I just made so many things for him in my 6 months maternity leave. The crib bumpers, bibs, pajamas, blankets, diaper bags, anything you can think of for the baby. I discovered my destiny - making cute things for little people! My friends, neighbors, and other mommies from music and swimming classes kept asking me where I bought my stuff - this certainly gave me some confidence and put a little "seed" for my future Etsy adventure in my heart.

I became a full time stay-at-home mom when I had my littlest. He took a great nap every day - I came downstairs after he fell asleep and had so much fun making cute things for him. But there is only so much he can use and wear... I started to make things for other babies around me, and soon after, I decided to open up my shop at Etsy.

I make what I think other moms also like, using the fabrics I fell in love with. I just make sure to use high quality, comfortable materials as my items are for little, delicate people!

I opened my Etsy store in May 2007. Since then, I am having just a GREAT time.

Are you a professional artist?
I am a professional full time mommy, wife, and an artist (I am so honored to be called an "artist!"). I actually have other hobbies, too.

What inspires you?
Anything. Anything around me. My boys, their friends, my friends, books, window shopping, swimming pool, anything. Most of all, I love spending my time at bookstores just browsing books. I get really refreshed and visually (and intellectually?) inspired by the atmosphere.

What is your favorite piece?
My favorite piece is Mommy's One Mile Bag. I feel very special about this piece. When my littlest did not need a huge diaper bag anymore - maybe he had just turned one - I made this bag for myself to carry what I needed for a quick trip to neighbor stores and parks. I made several different sizes in different materials until I came up with the current design, and I am really confident that this bag WORKS. It is just the perfect size for anything - not too big, light, but carries a lot more than it looks.

Favorite materials?
Cotton fabrics - softer the better!

Any tips for fellow designers?
I am not in a position to give any advice... but one thing I have been most serious about is to make my customers happy. I have a baby gift business - people come to my store to buy gifts for themselves or someone they love. People think about their family and friends when buy gifts and every single gift is special for the person who buys and person who receives. I want everyone 120% happy with what they select as a gift, because that is what I want when I buy a gift for someone.

Any special promos?
I am not currently running any special promotion on my website, but please tell me by sending an Etsy conversation, if you found me through this blog. I will give you a secret discount...

What would you like to be when you grow up?
I wanted to be a veterinarian. My mom did not think my science grade was good enough for that dream, and I was too easily convinced.

Favorite jeweller?
I love visiting the Diamond District in NYC - spectacular!!!

Favorite website...
I like "Secret Agent Josephine" 's blog at http://secret-agent-josephine.com/blog. She is an excellent graphic designer, blogger, and a wonderful mommy. Her blog that often talks about her daughter "Baby Bug," is so honest, lively, and sweet. She actually reminds me of my mom a little bit.

My older son is a big boy now - he puts my customer packages in his backpack and bikes to the local post office for me. He is the biggest supporter of my website. I started making baby things for him, and I would never even have thought about doing what I am doing now without my boys. They are a bottomless source of my ... trouble, gray hair, and joy!

Arigato gozaimashita Chio :) Subarashuii !